Between 1902 and 1962, the passenger train known as “the most famous train in the world” and “the favorite train of famous people” ran from New York City to Chicago in under 20 hours.
Photo by John McCloskey Jr. / Courtesy of United Railroad Historical Society of NJ (left) / Courtesy of Hudson River Rail (right)
Source: Hudson River Rail, The New York Times
After the train shut down in 1967, circus performers paid $1 a night to live inside the train as Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey toured across the country.
Ivan Dmitri/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Source: Part of 20th Century Limited Lives On: It’s Home to the Circus (New York Times, 1970)
In the early 1990’s, the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey bought two of the historic train cars and restored them to their former glory.
Photo by John McCloskey Jr. / Courtesy of United Railroad Historical Society of NJ
From June through November, the restored train cars can be found attached to the back of an Amtrak train traveling along the Hudson River from Penn Station to Albany, New York.
Photo by Anthony Carpentier / Courtesy of United Railroad Historical Society of NJ
Along with a few other lucky travelers, I nabbed a seat on the sold-out excursion and was transported back in time to the golden age of travel — when it was a social occasion and not just a way to get from point A to point B.
Hannah Towey / Insider
The day kicked off at Amtrak’s new Metropolitan Lounge inside Pennsylvania Station’s Moynihan Train Hall, where I enjoyed a free breakfast and coffee.
Hannah Towey / Insider
As we boarded, staff rolled out a red carpet (though I was the only paparazzi present).
Hannah Towey / Insider
My fellow passengers ranged from train buffs and vintage enthusiasts to a few solo travelers looking for a local adventure.
Hannah Towey / Insider
Travelers were encouraged to dress up in period clothing for the most authentic experience.
Photo by Mark Forman / Courtesy of United Railroad Historical Society of NJ
My $349 ticket got me a seat in the “Hickory Creek” observation car with panorama views of the Hudson River — the very same car where the stars once wined and dined.
Hannah Towey/Insider
From the furniture to the seating arrangements, everything looked exactly the same as the car’s original interior, designed by the acclaimed industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss.
Bettmann / Contributor via Getty Images
The “first-class” ticket included a four-course meal cooked by the onboard chef, as well as unlimited beer and wine.
Hannah Towey / Insider
Our waiter Lou made sure everyone’s glass was always full and was incredibly knowledgeable about the train’s history. Serving champagne on a moving train is no easy task.
Hannah Towey/Insider
